A Visit to Lilies on Brougham is a French Provincial, Romantic, Delight.

When I need some calm and beauty I head to a garden center, preferably one with a cafe. 'Lillies on Brougham' has long been a special place for me to visit.  It's french provincial garden, cafe and shop are a delight for my senses so it's here I headed when I wanted to take the afternoon off.

I love this muted pink linen dress.

A collection of white urns in varying shapes and sizes make an irresistible display.

Balance is what they do so well. That is what makes it so calming and serene for visitors. The shop contains, soft textured clothes, dolls and cushions which contrast with and shiny pottery, glass and jewelry. Even a meal in their cafe is gorgeous to look at. Of course it tastes amazing as well. A perfect balance of sweet, savory and acidic flavors married with herbs and a mix of creamy and crisp textures to entertain the palette.

Potato and herb frittata with smoked salmon, sour cream and chutney.

Being a romance author, I find the heart table no a charming detail.

​The seating area is a long space with views through to the established gardens that beckon diners to wander the pathways after breakfast or lunch. 

Vista from the cafe alfresco dining area

After browsing the shop and eating a delicious lunch it's time to walk the grounds and take in the carefully considered, elegant garden.

An ornate urn draws you down the path toward a stand of pencil pine and globe shaped shrubs. Here the path turns and leads the wanderer to the area where plants are for sale, so you can purchase a little bit of French flair for your own garden.

Even this area is laid out in a way that shows style and balance has been carefully considered. A decorative pond provides a stopping point before rambling among the permanent plantings interspersed with bays of pots of trees and shrubs for sale.

There are a few concrete garden ornaments in the classic style which can be purchased to give your garden a distinctive French Provincial character. 

A mud brick cottage creates an overflow space for diners and a focal point. It creates planting opportunities and is positioned so that the garden can't be viewed all at once. The meandering path encircles it. 

The sign post is peaks from behind clipped hedges, letting visitors know they have arrived

The time passed quickly and eventually I needed to get back home to normal living but the serenity and elegance of Lilies on Brougham is inside me and is coming home with me.

White Urns add elegance to the tin shed looking entrance to the shop and cafe

A last view of the main building before I leave. I just love the simplicity and elegance of those box plants in white urns. 

Wendy Fraser-Boyle and Melissa Walder run Lillies on Brougham, they stock the shop with their Lily and Lulu collection procured from France. They also run exclusive ladies tours to France. Oh my goodness, how I would love to do one of those. Maybe one day. 

You can find Lilies on Brougham at 62 Brougham street Eltham in Victoria, Australia. Their contact details are  T: 0394316622 or E: [email protected]

Dora Bramden writes Heart melting, passionate romance